Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 25, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, September 25, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Receive an ordinance to amend the City Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks ordinance and set a public hearing for October 9, 2023 on the same.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend the City Parking Ordinance and set a public hearing for October 9, 2023 on the same.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend Table 154.410.A Building and Lot Principal Use, Section 154.410.B Special Uses and Article VII of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances Regarding Institutional Uses and set a public hearing for October 23, 2023 on the same.
  • Consider prioritization and approval of submission of City requests for Fall 2023 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocation.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall, or email their statement to comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83335395663?pwd=Sm1UUk15MGt0M2NiaXFlbUFUV1h6dz09

Meeting ID: 883 3539 5663

Passcode: 887060

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

Audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Brian Assmann            bassmann@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Bryan Chapman          bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

City Completes Stakeholder Economic Development Discussions

Why pursue business development in Mt. Pleasant? 

For the past few months city staff posed this question to more than 20 area developers, real estate brokers and financial professionals. Topics discussed in these one-on-one economic development conversations included the city’s current building and zoning policies, processes, and infrastructure.

Information stemming from these valuable dialogues will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for their review over the next year. 

Topics include (but are not limited to):

  • Applications requiring special Planning Commission approval.
  • Alterations/expansions of current buildings.
  • Special rules for large or auto-oriented businesses, such as drive-throughs, gas stations and big box retailers.
  • More design requirement flexibility within commercial and residential districts.
  • Allowing multi-uses within single lots.
  • Rules that regulate what types of businesses can be conducted within homes.
  • E-commerce fulfillment centers.
  • Wholesale versus retail zoning requirements.

The Planning Commission meets every fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street).  Meetings can also be viewed on Zoom, the City’s YouTube Channel or live on Channel 188. Meetings are rebroadcast daily at 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. (two weeks following the meeting date).

For complete meeting agendas, packets and public hearing information visit:

www.mt-pleasant.org/plancomm.   

City Provides Building Plan Design Services for Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) are small, secondary dwelling units located on the same lot as a larger, principal dwelling unit. They can be a detached structure in the backyard, an over-the-garage unit, or a space attached to the primary residence. The main home and ADU, also referred to as granny flats or in-law units, cannot be sold separately. The owner of the principal home is also the owner of the ADU.

ADU’s have become an increasingly popular housing option because:  

  • They create additional housing supply and variety within existing residential neighborhoods.
    • They increase housing affordability.
    • They provide opportunities for multi-generational housing and/or aging-in-place.
    • They generate supplementary income for homeowners.

There are currently 54 existing ADU’s in the City. This distinctive housing option can be created in the CD-4 zoning district by right, or created in the CD-3L or CD-3 zoning district with Planning Commission approval.

To make the ADU design process easy, and to assure these units meet all zoning guidelines, City staff has prepared several building plans for both stand-alone and over-the-garage ADU’s. These plans can also be adjusted by City staff to reflect the architectural details of primary dwellings.

To find out more about these units and view the building plans, call (989) 779-5347.

City to hold Citizens’ Academy; accepting applications now

The seventh Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 21.  Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City of Mt. Pleasant.  Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 21, February 28, March 14, March 21, April 4, April 11, and April 18. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 24 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 17, 2023. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 22, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 22, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #6, “Set Public Hearing for Monday, September 12, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to consider establishing an Industrial Development District for parcel 17-000-18319-00; more commonly known at 1219 N. Mission Street” was added to the consent calendar.

Received the following petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

2) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held August 8, 2022.

3) MDOT resolution authorizing the approval of a contract to receive funds for the design work for the Taxiway A Rehabilitation Project.

4) Contract with Mead & Hunt for engineering design and bid letting for the Taxiway A Rehabilitation Project and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

6) Set Public Hearing for Monday, September 12, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to consider establishing an Industrial Development District for parcel 17-000-18319-00; more commonly known at 1219 N. Mission Street.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1083, an Ordinance to amend §154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding registered student organization dwellings.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1084, an Ordinance to amend §154.410.C.2.B and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding group “B” special regulated uses.

Approved moving forward with installation and operation of an outdoor ice rink during the 2022-2023 winter season from the hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (depending on ice conditions) at a cost not to exceed $7,000.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 22, 2022

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 22, 2022 at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding registered student organization dwellings and consider approval of the same.
  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend section 154.410.C.B and Table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding group “B” special regulated uses and consider approval of the same.
  • Outdoor ice rink consideration for 2022-2023 operations.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall, or email their statement to comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86456402388?pwd=L2Z0Q3lRMzlVQzN5SkppMlBpUytrUT09

Meeting ID: 864 5640 2388

Passcode: 972430

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

Audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Brian Assmann            bassmann@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch           ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman               ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke               meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher       aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan             gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Topics to Watch at the Hybrid Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 25, 2022

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 25, 2022 at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation from Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Verleger regarding school resource officer program.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding registered student organization dwellings and set a public hearing for August 22, 2022 on the same.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend section 154.410.C.2.B and Table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding group “B” special regulated uses and set a public hearing for August 22, 2022 on the same.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall, or email their statement to comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84998825857?pwd=MXFJQzVsemEzYzlXeWhUbnNzY3Y2Zz09

Meeting ID: 849 9882 5857

Passcode: 677616

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

Audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Brian Assmann            bassmann@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch           ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman               ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke               meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher       aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan             gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 13, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 13, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 23, 2022.

7) 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan.

8) Bid of Revize of Troy, MI for the 2022 Website Redesign Project.

9) Resolution setting fees associated with use of the airport courtesy vehicle.

10) Received proposed Ordinance to amend §154.410.B.4 and Table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinance regarding child care centers and group day care homes and set a public hearing for Monday, July 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

11) Warrants and Payrolls.

Rejected the proposed agreement with MRP and directed City Attorney Homier to continue negotiations.

Approved an amendment to the WRRF Rehabilitation contract with Fishbeck Engineering.

City Attorney Homier presented the proposed Charter Amendment which changes the City Commission terms to four years and eliminates odd year city commission elections. A proposed resolution and ballot language for the November, 2022 election will be brought before the Commission at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.

Summary of Minutes from the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 23, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 23, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #15 “Board and Commission Appointments as recommended by the Appointments Committee” was added to the agenda under New Business.

Approved the Agenda with the addition of Item #15.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 9, 2022.

6) Bid of Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the purchase of two Utility Vehicles.

7) Resolution in support of pedicab business licensing fees.

8) Renewal of Facility Agreement with Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan for cabin located in Chipp-A-Waters Park.

10) Budget amendment from carryover funds for groundskeeping and signage for the downtown parking lots.

11) Acceptance of $40,000 from the MSHDA for a neighborhood enhancement grant; authorized the Mayor to execute the necessary documents and allocated an additional $30,000 from the HODAG funds.

12) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on the proposed 2023-2028 CIP. No action required at this time.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1081, an Ordinance to amend §154.410.B.4. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to reference numeric limits for adult-use marihuana establishments and medical marihuana facilities.

Held a public hearing on Phase II Project Plan for upgrades at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and approved Resolution adopting a final project plan for water and wastewater system improvements and designated an authorized project representative for the CWSRF application.

Made appointments to the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Hybrid Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 23, 2022

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 23, 2022 at 7 p.m.

  • Consider resolution in support of recommended pedicab business licensing fees.
  • Consider acceptance of $40,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for a neighborhood enhancement grant, authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents, and approve the allocation of additional funds.
  • Public hearing on proposed 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend section 154.410.B.4. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to reference numeric limits for recreational marihuana establishments and medical marihuana facilities and consider approval of the same.
  • Public hearing on Phase II Project Plan for upgrades at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and consider resolution adopting a final project plan for water and wastewater system improvements and designating an authorized project representative for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) application.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall, or email their statement to comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81490009639?pwd=S3ZrYzNkUkFqbGp0Qk5CQ0RYYkJxZz09

Meeting ID: 814 9000 9639

Passcode: 185618

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

Audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Brian Assmann            bassmann@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman              ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan            gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.